Signification
Something that is annoying or insulting.
Contexte culturel
The concept of 'Inat' (spiteful defiance) is often expressed through actions that are a 'prst u oko'. It's a way of saying 'I'm doing this specifically because I know you don't like it.' In Balkan politics, 'prst u oko' is a standard term in media to describe diplomatic friction between neighboring countries. Similar to Serbia, the phrase is used to describe a violation of 'Čojstvo i Junaštvo' (Humanity and Bravery)—doing something beneath one's dignity to provoke another. Younger generations use it to describe 'cringe' or 'clashing' fashion choices that are so bold they are almost offensive.
Use it for 'Inat'
If you want to sound like a native, use this phrase when talking about someone doing something out of spite (inat).
Don't be too literal
If you say 'Imam prst u oku', people will try to help you get a physical finger out of your eye. Use 'To je prst u oko' for the idiom.
Signification
Something that is annoying or insulting.
Use it for 'Inat'
If you want to sound like a native, use this phrase when talking about someone doing something out of spite (inat).
Don't be too literal
If you say 'Imam prst u oku', people will try to help you get a physical finger out of your eye. Use 'To je prst u oko' for the idiom.
Media Literacy
When reading Serbian news, look for this phrase in headlines. It's the fastest way to identify a controversial topic.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word in the idiom.
Njegova izjava je bila direktan ____ u oko.
The idiom is 'prst u oko' (finger in the eye).
Which situation best describes a 'prst u oko'?
Šta je 'prst u oko'?
The idiom refers to a deliberate provocation or insult.
Match the Serbian idiom with its English equivalent or meaning.
Spoji parove:
These are the core meanings and variations of the idiom.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form of the idiom.
A: Jesi li video novu zgradu u centru? B: Jesam, užasna je. To je baš ____.
The idiom uses the preposition 'u' with the accusative 'oko'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesNjegova izjava je bila direktan ____ u oko.
The idiom is 'prst u oko' (finger in the eye).
Šta je 'prst u oko'?
The idiom refers to a deliberate provocation or insult.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are the core meanings and variations of the idiom.
A: Jesi li video novu zgradu u centru? B: Jesam, užasna je. To je baš ____.
The idiom uses the preposition 'u' with the accusative 'oko'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsThe phrase itself isn't a swear word, but it describes something offensive. It's safe to use in most conversations.
Usually, you use 'trn u oku' for a person. 'Prst u oko' is for their actions.
Yes, this idiom is common across all BCMS (Bosnian, Croatian, Montenegrin, Serbian) variants.
It's rarely used in plural, but it would be 'prsti u oči'. However, stick to the singular for the idiomatic meaning.
Expressions liées
Trn u oku
similarA thorn in the eye (an eyesore or a constant nuisance).
Pljunuti u lice
similarTo spit in someone's face.
Kao šamar
similarLike a slap.
Ići na živce
builds onTo get on someone's nerves.
